When a teenager battling gaming addiction was referred to counsellor Daniel Wong, it was clear to him that the problem went beyond excessive screen time.
Showing signs of anxiety and depression, the teenager struggled to cope in school. He shut himself off from the outside world, only immersing himself in his games.
Mr Wong, who is with Touch Community Services, says: "It was tricky and I was a little taken aback, because what do we focus on here? His mental well-being, addiction or his personal relationships?" The counsellor decided to connect with the teen in the gaming world. After a few sessions of playing games together, the teenager began to open up and revealed the real issue his tumultuous relationship with his father.
The two had frequent arguments. The teen turned to gaming to manage his anger and avoid interactions with his father; the father blamed gaming for his son's behaviour.
Despite initial hesitation from the teen, Mr Wong decided to involve the family in his counselling sessions.
The focus was on enhancing their communication and reducing misunderstandings, Mr Wong explains.
The first few family sessions were heated. But gradually over the next nine months, the father learnt that he needed to change how he communicated with his son so he did not come across as nagging or reprimanding, while the teenager was encouraged to find ways to appreciate his father's advice.
As the teenager's relationship with his father started to mend, his depressive symptoms lessened, his anxiety attacks stopped and his gaming addiction faded. He came out of his shell and started making friends at school.
Mental health professionals like Mr Wong work behind the scenes, unravelling the complexities of individual struggles.
Denne historien er fra October 28, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 28, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Nobody won': Residents of Lebanese city return to rubble
Tens of thousands try to process aftermath of Israel's attacks
British lawmakers give initial support to assisted dying Bill
Britain's Parliament voted in favour of a new Bill to legalise assisted dying on Nov 29, opening the way for months of further debate on an issue that has divided the country and raised questions about the standard of palliative care.
China says it'll cooperate in probe into severed Baltic Sea cables
BEIJING - China said on Nov 29 it was \"willing to work\" with a probe into the severing of two Baltic Sea cables linked to a Chinese ship, after Sweden asked for Beijing's cooperation with the investigation.
Meet the workers battling to keep the lights on in Ukraine
When Russian missiles hurtle towards the Ukrainian power plant and employees scramble for the bomb shelter, a handful of workers stay above ground in a control room protected by sandbags to keep the system running manually.
Trump may thwart Kim-Putin ambition on economic ties: Study
If Ukraine conflict ends, Russia and North Korea's need for each other may change
Divorces in China on the rise again despite cooling-off period
It is seen as a 'troublesome' requirement and not a factor that could change minds
Going bananas: Crypto boss eats his $8.3m artwork
HONG KONG - Crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun on Nov 29 fulfilled a promise he made after spending US$6.2 million (S$8.3 million) on an artwork featuring a banana duct-taped to a wall - by eating the fruit.
'I really wanted to live'
SQ321 passenger who fractured spine gets back on her feet
Japan's Ishiba, leading a minority govt, must find political nous to thrive
His best odds are to rediscover that courage to go against the grain to make a difference
Albanese shifts to election mode, seeking trust on living costs
SYDNEY - Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pivoted to election mode, hoping to win back voter confidence that his government can tackle high living costs, particularly housing, after clearing the decks with a torrent of legislation.
